Shaftesbury School Dorset. Maintained Secondary, mixed with boarding

Work Related Learning

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance

Impartial Information, Advice and Guidance is important because:

Students will need to make important decisions that will affect their future.

Understanding their own motivations and aspirations, as well as the choices available to them and the requirements of employers, is essential in making the right decisions.

How students receive this Information, Advice and Guidance

Careers Education Students in all years have Work-Related Learning lessons, starting with a light touch in year 7 through to full timetabled lessons from year 9. These involve use of the Careers Software (which is also accessible online at home) and the Careers Library. In Years 10 & 11 this incorporates the Be Real Game and working towards a Health & Safety at Work Award. We hold successful Interview preparation sessions with the help of Shaftesbury Rotary and school Governors.

Our Connexions Personal Advisor leads some sessions and any student in Years 9 – 13 can book an interview with her. She also attends Parent Consultation evenings.

In addition all students receive mentoring sessions with their tutors looking both at personal performance and the options routes available.

Parent Information evenings also help to keep parents up to date with developments and the options process.

Work Placements

All students in year 10 undertake two weeks of work experience to help understand the reality of the working situation and the skills employers are looking for. In addition students may undertake work placements in support of their academic courses on an extended basis.

We are grateful for the support of so many local employers in helping to make these placements possible.

Investors in Careers Award

The school is currently working towards the national Investors in Careers award in recognition of the importance we place on enabling students to understand and develop the skills they need for successful careers.